ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
JUVENILE HOMES
The Juvenile Justice  Act, 2015 is the primary legislation for ensuring the safety, security, dignity and well-being of children. The Act provides for protection of children in need of care and protection and those in conflict with law by catering to their basic needs through care, protection, development, treatment and social re-integration. Under the centrally sponsored scheme namely Child Protection Services  Scheme support is provided to the States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in need of care and in difficult circumstances as mandate under JJ Act, 2015. The primary responsibility of implementation of the JJ Act lies with the respective State/UT Government.
Under section 54 of the Juvenile Justice  Act, 2015, the State Governments have to appoint Inspection Committees and under section 53, to assess the basic facilities and infrastructure of the Institution for maintaining their standards. Also section 32 to 34 of JJ Act, 2015 mentions the procedure for mandatory reporting including offence for non-reporting and penalty.
The Ministry regularly follows up with the State / UT Governments so as to ensure that Child Care Institutions  including Juvenile Homes adhere to standards of care as per the JJ Act, 2015 provisions. Various advisories have been sent to all State/UTs regarding mandatory inspection of all CCIs.
Ministry has time and again requested all States/UTs regarding adhering to the procedures stipulated under JJ Act, 2015 and JJ Rules, 2016 relating to physical infrastructure, clothing/bedding/toiletries, sanitation & hygiene, Nutrition and Diet scale, Medical care, mental health, Education etc. of the CCIs.
Further, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 has been enacted with the objective of prohibiting child marriages. The Act prohibits the solemnization of child marriages where a person who, if a female has not completed 18 years of age and if a male has not completed 21 years of age. According to the Act, child marriage is a cognizable and non-bailable offence.
Further, it is stated that ''Police'' and ''Public Order'' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule  to the Constitution of India and, therefore, the State Governments and Union Territory  Administrations are responsible for prevention, detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of all crimes within their jurisdiction including trafficking in persons. State Governments/ UT administrations are empowered to deal with such matters under extant provisions of law.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Revolutionizing Mobility
Union Minister Shri Hardeep S Puri to flag off 1st Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus on 25th September 2023
In a significant step towards green mobility, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, will flag off 1st Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus at Kartavya Path in Delhi on September 25, 2023.
Green Hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, has the potential to play a key role in such low-carbon and self-reliant economic pathways. Green Hydrogen can enable utilization of domestically abundant renewable energy resources across regions, seasons, and sectors, feeding multiple usage streams, either as a fuel or as an industrial feedstock. It can directly replace fossil fuel derived feedstocks in petroleum refining, fertilizer production, steel manufacturing etc.
Innovating Mobility: The Power of Fuel Cells
Fuel cell technology is emerging as one of the important spokes in the e-mobility paradigm. Hydrogen can be used as a fuel for Fuel Cells. The electrochemical reaction converts fuel  at anode and oxygen from the air at cathode to water and liberate electrical energy in the form of electrons. Fuel cells are highly efficient as compared to other mobility options. Fuel cells vehicles have inherent advantages of long range and lower refuelling time as compared to battery vehicles. Hydrogen gas is compressed and stored onboard in cylinders, typically at a pressure of 350 bar.
Pioneering Change: India’s First Green Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cell Buses
IndianOil has initiated a scientifically designed program to undertake operational trials of 15 Fuel Cell buses powered by Green hydrogen on the identified routes in Delhi, Haryana and U.P. Under this program, first set of 2 fuel cell buses are being launched on 25.09.2023  from India Gate. This project is the first ever initiative in India to dispense green hydrogen at 350 bar to operate fuel cell buses. IndianOil has also established a state-of-the-art dispensing facility at our R&D Faridabad campus that can refuel green hydrogen produced from electrolysis using solar PV panels.
The Road Ahead: Long-Term Impact and Future Prospects
Upon the launch of these 2 buses, a cumulative mileage of more than 3 lakh kilometres will be covered across all buses for long term assessment of performance and durability of this new technology. The data thus generated through these rigorous trials will act as a national repository that will shape the future of zero emission mobility in the country powered by green hydrogen.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said,
"Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha Ji was a multi-faceted personality. He made outstanding efforts to popularise the great Lepcha culture. His works are respected across generations. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of veteran singer and music composer Shri Bappi Lahiri
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran singer and music composer Shri Bappi Lahiri.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
(DS/SH
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Ratification of seven Persistent Organic Pollutants listed under Stockholm Convention and delegate its powers for future ratifications for streamlining the procedure
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Ratification of seven  chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants . The Cabinet further delegated its powers to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to Union Ministers of External Affairs  and Environment, Forest and Climate Change  in respect of POPs already regulated under the domestic regulations thereby streamlining the procedure.
The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from POPs, which are identified chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health/ environment and have the property of long-range environmental transport . Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central & peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development. POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.
India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006 as per Article 25, which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary.
Considering its commitment towards providing safe environment and addressing human health risks, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change  had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 5, 2018 under the provisions of Environment  Act, 1986. The regulation inter alia prohibited the manufacture, trade, use, import and export seven chemicals namely  Chlordecone,  Hexabromobiphenyl,  Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether ,  Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether ,  Pentachlorobenzene,  Hexabromocyclododecane, and  Hexachlorobutadiene, which were already listed as POPs under Stockholm Convention.
The Cabinet's approval for ratification of POPs demonstrates India's commitment to meet its international obligations with regard to protection of environment and human health. It also indicates the resolve of the Government to take action on POPs by implementing control measures, develop and implement action plans for unintentionally produced chemicals, develop inventories of the chemicals' stockpiles and review as well as update its National Implementation Plan . The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility  financial resources in updating the NIP.
Ministry of Power
POSOCO observes International Yoga Day
Indian Grid Operator POSOCO, CPSU under Ministry of Power observed7th International Yoga Day with over 600 employees and their families connecting via online today.Power System Operation Corporation held this Yoga session in association with Art of Living. The theme of this year is “Yoga for Wellness” which focusses on practicing Yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Shri K.V.S. Baba, CMD, POSOCO addressed all the employees on the occasion and requested all POSOCO employees and their family members to include Yoga as a part of their daily routine as it helps to achieve physical and mental well-being.On his address, Shri Baba said thatYoga helps in improving metabolism, maintaining proper blood circulation, respiratory disorders, etc. It also builds mental health and emotional resilience and enables to cope up with fear, anxiety and depression.
During this one-hour yoga session, many yoga asana, pranayama including breathing exercises were practiced under the instructions of Yoga expert from Art of Living.
POSOCO is a wholly owned Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Power. It is responsible to ensure the integrated operation of the Grid in a reliable, efficient, and secure manner. It consists of five Regional Load Despatch Centres  and the National Load Despatch Centre .
Election Commission
Election Commission of India to hold a National Consultation on Accessible Elections
A dedicated portal of the ECI’S Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation  to be launched
The Election Commission of India  has organized a two-day “National Consultation on Accessible Elections,” from the 3rd July, 2018 in New Delhi. It will be inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner Shri O.P.Rawat, in presence of the Election Commissioners Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa. The event is a part of the ECI’s pursuit of its mission ‘leave no voter behind,’ with special focus on “Persons with Disabilities” . During the inaugural session, a dedicated portal for the ECI’s ‘Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation’  initiative will also be launched.
The national consultation will be participated among others by the Chief Electoral Officers of all states, Civil Society Organizations  working in the area of empowerment of the differently abled and senior officials of the Union Ministries of Social Justice & Empowerment, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, Youth Affairs and Sports, Central Board of Secondary Education , Central Public Works Department and the National Literacy Mission Authority.
The national event is the culmination of a nearly three-month long series of district and state level consultations. They are aimed at identifying the barriers or gaps in the inclusion of PwD’s in the electoral process, to assess the existing accessibility initiatives and to find solutions for the challenges being faced by the PwD’s. The whole exercise is to enhance their participation in the forthcoming state and Lok Sabha elections.
The theme of “Inclusion of PwD’s” has been given a special focus in the ECI’s Strategic Plan 2016-2025. Besides, “Accessible Elections” has been adopted as its central theme for this year’s National Voters’ Day celebrations.
The “National Consultation on Accessible Elections,” will be having three technical sessions over the course of the two days. The best practices on ‘Accessible Elections’ that were practiced in six states during their last Assembly Elections will be shared in the meeting.
The national consultation meet is expected to contribute significantly to evolve a policy on “Accessible Elections,” that will help in making electoral processes more and more accessible in the ensuing elections.
The concluding session of the national consultation in the afternoon on 4th July, 2018 will also be graced by the CEC and the EC’s.
Cabinet
Cabinet condoles sad demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister on 17th March, 2019 at Panaji, Goa
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has condoled the sad demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister on 17th March, 2019 at Panaji, Goa. The Cabinet observed silence for two minutes in the memory of Late Shri Manohar Parrikar.
The Cabinet has also approved observing one day of mourning by the Government of India and flying the National Flag at half-mast on 18th March, 2019 in all the States/UTs Capitals including Delhi and throughout State of Goa.
The Union Cabinet further approved following condolence Resolution in the profound memory of Shri Manohar Parrikar:
“The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow at the sad demise of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa in the evening of 17th March, 2019 at Panaji, Goa. In his passing away, the country has lost a veteran and distinguished leader, affectionately called as the Chief Minister of commoners.
Born on December 13, 1955 at Mapusa, Goa, Shri Parrikar was educated at Loyola School, Margao and later graduated in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai in 1978. Before entering politics, Shri Parrikar had joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh  at a young age and became a Mukhya Shikshak  in the final years of his schooling itself. After graduating from IIT, he resumed RSS work in Mapusa and became a Sanghchalak at the age of 26.
As a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party , Shri Parrikar was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Goa in 1994. He became the Chief Minister of Goa for the first time on 24th October, 2000 and continued till 27th February, 2002. He was re-elected as Chief Minister on 3rd June, 2002 and served till 2nd February, 2005. He became Chief Minister of Goa for the third time on 9th March, 2012 and continued till 8th November, 2014. On 9th November, 2014, Shri Parrikar became Union Minister of Defence and continued till 13th March, 2017, he was again sworn in as Chief Minister of Goa on 14th March, 2017.
Shri Parrikar will be remembered for his simplicity and his abilities as an exceptional administrator. His contribution to the building of modern Goa and to the modernization of India's Armed Forces as well as improvement to the lives of ex.-Servicemen will never be forgotten.
Shri Parrikar was awarded the 'Distinguished Alumnus Award' by IIT Mumbai in 2001, Honorary Doctorate by National Institute of Technology, Goa in 2018 and the Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Award in 2018, among others. He is survived by his two sons.
The Cabinet extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Goa on behalf of the Government and the entire Nation.”
Ministry of Defence
Defence Correspondents Course – 2023 Commences at ENC, Visakhapatnam
The 2023 edition of Defence Correspondents Course , a three week course conducted by the Ministry of Defence for select journalists from National and Regional Media organisations, commenced at Eastern Naval Command , Visakhapatnam on 21 August 2023. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena AVSM, NM Chief of Staff, ENC delivered the inaugural address and Shri A Bharat Bhushan Babu, Spokesperson  and Additional Director General  gave an insight into Defence Journalism of the course at the Maritime Warfare Center. The aim of DCC is to bring media and military closer and enable a pool of journalists at all levels to have better appreciation of the Armed Forces and are cognizant of the domain when reporting on stories relating to the maritime environment.
During the one-week naval attachment, the participants will be addressed by subject matter experts from within the Navy and the Coast Guard. They will acquaint the journalists with various aspects of the Navy including naval operations, naval diplomacy, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and the organisational structure of the Navy and Coast Guard. As part of the course, the participants visited the Indian Naval ship and submarine on 21 Aug 2023 and they were briefed on various facets of life onboard. The participants will also have a scheduled tour at Naval Dockyard, Naval Air Station and onboard Coast Guard ships at Visakhapatnam in this week. A sea sortie onboard a front-line warship of the Indian Navy is the highlight of the naval leg of the course, which will provide the journalists an insight into naval operations at sea.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Functioning of Central Waqf Board/Council
Central Waqf Council  is an advisory body to the Central Government, State Governments and the State Waqf Boards on the issues of due administration of Auqaf and working of the Waqf Boards. It may also issue directives to the Waqf Boards under Section 9  of the Waqf Act, 1995 as amended. Besides, it is implementing some schemes of the Government relating to Waqfs. The brief details of functioning of CWC are as under:-
 to oversee the functioning of the State Waqf Boards to ensure its effective operations;
 to issue directives to the State Waqf Boards on their financial performance, survey maintenance of Waqf deeds, revenue records, encroachment of waqf properties, annual report and audit report;
 to advise Central Government, State Governments, State Waqf Boards on matters concerning the working of the Boards and due administration of Auqaf;
 to implement the Scheme of Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana to extend interest free loan to Waqf Institutions/Waqf Boards to develop commercially viable waqf properties;
 to implement the Qaumi waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme for further disbursement of funds among State/UT Waqf Boards  for computerization & digitization of records of waqf properties, efficient administration of Waqf Boards;
 To seek information from the State Governments/Waqf Boards on the performance of the State Waqf Boards under Section 9  of the Waqf Act, 1995 as amended;
As per the Haj Committee Act, 2002, the functions and duties of Haj Committee is as follows:
 to collect and disseminate information useful to pilgrims, and to arrange orientation and training programmes for pilgrims;
 to advise and assist pilgrims during their stay at the embarkation points in India, while proceeding to or returning from pilgrimage, in all matters including vaccination, inoculation, medical inspection, issue of pilgrim passes and foreign exchange, and to liaise with the local authorities concerned in such matters;
 to give relief to pilgrims in distress;
 to finalise the annual Haj Plan with the approval of the Central Government, and execute the plan, including the arrangements for travel by air or any other means, and to advise in matters relating to accommodations;
 to approve the budget estimates of the Committee and submit it to the Central Government at least three months before the beginning of the financial year for its concurrence;
 to co-ordinate with the Central Government, railways, airways and travel agencies for the purpose of securing travelling facilities for pilgrims;
 to publish such proceedings of the Committee and such matters of interest to pilgrims as may be determined by bye-laws made in this behalf by the Committee;
 to discharge such other duties in connection with Haj as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
No grants/funds/Scholarships have been released to the Islamic University of Science and Technology  Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir under any scheme of the Ministry.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
CMFRI marks 342 potential sites for seaweed farming with a projected production of 9.7 million tonnes per year
India produces 34000 tones of seaweeds in 2021; Experts call for upscaling seaweed farming
Kochi, July 27,2022
India cultivated around 34000 tonnes of seaweeds in 2021, according to the estimates of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute . Stressing the need for upscaling seaweed farming, Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI said that the institue has done georeferencing of 342 suitable farming sites for its cultivation in the country sprawling over 24167 ha with a production potential of 9.7 million tonnes  per year.
(He was speaking at a National Campaign on ‘Non-conventional Aquaculture Systems’ organised by the CMFRI as part of the Azadi Ka Amirt Mahotsav on Wednesday. “While referring to the global production that is 35 million tonnes worth 16.5 billion dollars in 2022 so far, India is far behind in terms of seaweed production”, he added.
Citing that the country is taking all measures to boost its production, Dr Gopalakrishnan pointed out that the government earmarked Rs. 640 crore exclusively to promote seaweed culture with a targeted production of more than 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025, in the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana .
“The CMFRI has successfully standardised the practice of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture  which enables cage farming or bivalve farming along with seaweed farming in coastal waters”, he said adding that this technology would help popularise and boost seaweed farming across the coastal states.
Referring to its environmental benefits, he said that seaweed farming can earn carbon credits in many ways and cited the example of replacing fodder with the value-added products of the plants to reduce methane emission from cattle to great extent.
Abhiram Seth, Managing Director of AquAagri Processing said that deep sea areas should be identified to increase the production. Emphasising the need for large quantity of planting material for the large-scale expansion of seaweed farming, Mr. Seth expressed the interest in collaborating with ICAR-CMFRI for commercial-level micro-propagation based seaweed seed production.
The meet also highlighted the importance of bivalve farming, another non-conventional aquaculture practice. According to the CMFRI estimates, India’s bivalve production in 2021 was 98000 tonnes. “CMFRI’s recent success includes commercial production of seeds of green and brown mussels and cultch-less spat production of edible oysters with a high survival rate at Vizhinjam. More than 6000 women self-help groups are engaging with bivalve farming under the guidance of the CMFRI”, he said.
Dr Brien Roberts, Aquaculture Research Scientist from Australia and Arun Aloysius, Curatorial Supervisor of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo also delivered lectures at the meet. Dr P Laxmilatha and Dr V V R Suresh also spoke on the occasion.